Which underlay for new laminate flooring.

elsmandino

Hello,

I am going to be replacing our carpets with laminate flooring, over the Christmas period, and would be really grateful for any advice on which underlay to use.

I did read that Timbertech 2 Silver Plus is very good but not only is it particularly good but not only is particularly expensive but it is quite difficult to get hold of.

I am willing to go with it, if it really is the obvious choice, but would be grateful to know whether there are any decent alternatives to consider.

I did use this stuff for another room:

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Westco-Premium-Kitchen-and-Bathroom-Underlay/p/191372

and to be honest, it is not the best.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

rob7475

what's the subfloor - floorboards, plywood, concrete?

How level are they?

If it's a concrete subfloor you'll need an underlay with dpm. If the floor isn't perfectly level, you can get thicker underlay that has some levelling properties.

I've used quickstep underlays which seem good quality.

What brand of flooring are you fitting - some manufacturers will tell you to use their own underlay to keep the warranty.

missile

I would advise you not to skimp on cheap underlay. I made that mistake

elsmandino

Hi,

The subfloor is wooden and fairly level.

I am going to be buying this particular flooring:

http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/schreiber-laminate-flooring-tawny-chestnut---173sq-m-per-pack-236166

With regards to buying the underlay, Screwfix would be more convenient, though I would definitely order something online if it was much better quality or value.

Do any of these look acceptable:

http://www.screwfix.com/c/building-joinery/underlay/cat850024

Or do you think I should look elsewhere?

vansboy

Definitely Vitrex
http://www.screwfix.com/p/vitrex-premier-wood-laminate-underlay-boards-5mm-9-76m-9-76m/68038
As it is clean to put down, compared to the fibre board product others sell, which is dusty and doesn't have the sound or heat insulation qualites, the Vitrex one does.

But as you're in Homebase, they probably have the range of Vitrex underlays displayed together and you can read the benefits of each variant. Some are more suitable if you need the damp proof aspect, which it looks like you do not. But you may want some of the cheaper 3mm white foam stuff (own brand) to help build up any unlevel areas you'll come accross. I placed it under the boards, in places, to deal with this.

And Homebase may well be able to price match Screwfix, as you're buying the actual flooring, too - worth asking, to save a trip. Otherwise, Screwfix will deliver free, if you're spending enough.

VB

elsmandino

Fantastic - really helpful advice.

I shall indeed see if Homebase might be able to do - don't get if you don't ask.

Thanks again.

Martha_J

It might be too late for my recommendation but in case you still haven't bought the underlay, may you consider this for your choice.
The best underlay for wooden subfloors remains good old fibreboard, according to the flooring specialist at home a.k.a. my husband who redid our whole house. He says if the wooden subfloor is actually made of floorboards then 'fairly levelled' can mean pretty uneven which the fibreboard is ideal for as it takes the unevenness and fits itself on it, creating a levelled surface and as an added bonus is a good thermal insulator and easy to work with and not too costly.
He even dug out the link to the fibreboard underlay he used in our bedroom let me know if you want me to send it to you as the forum here does not let me to post links.
Hope this helps!

vansboy

Hi Martha

Welcome to MSE

Agree fibreboard is very good for 'taking out' some uneven areas, but is much more dusty to use, compared to the Vitrex similar sized, foam boardsboards.

I've used both but do prefer the Vitrex.

VB

HanWP

Hi Martha,

I'd just advise that you choose a reasonably thick rubber underlay over a foam. Rubber provides better cushioning, support and sound proofing. Foam is less effective at these things. Just make sure you use a damp proof membrane for the install too.

wildmandy

I used the green foam roll (off auction site) which has DPM built in and it was cheap, easy to use and worked great (on concrete). On floorboards I used the green "felt" boards, more expensive but did a good job. In my opinion, the most important thing is to buy the best laminate you can afford as the cheap stuff is garbage.
Even better, use top quality vinyl - is looks so much better than laminate and last ages longer